Can Corn Snakes Live Together? Probably No!

Corn snakes are the best option for a first-time snake owner. Are you worried that having only one corn snake will make it lonely? 

Are you thinking of housing corn snakes together? It might help you save money and time cleaning the area after all.

Let’s discuss why this is a bad idea and the alternatives.

Can You House Two Corn Snakes Together?

You are on the right track with the question, “Can you house two corn snakes together?” The simple answer to this question is No. Corn snakes are solitary reptiles that like to live, hunt, eat, and sleep alone.

If you keep two or more corn snakes together, one might eat the other. Corn snakes are solitary creatures who don’t feel lonely staying alone. Even though corn snakes can swim in the water, they are like other snakes; but they don’t like the company of other snakes.

A corn snake looks like a shy and polite snake, but once you keep any other snake near its world, it immediately becomes aggressive as it can sense the competition and want to eliminate the other snake. If you still want to keep two snakes together, ensure that you feed them separately, or else you might be looking for trouble. There is another way to house two corn snakes together; we will look at it further in the article.

How Should You Keep Your Corn Snake Ideally?

Corn snakes are popular pets and relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your corn snake happy and healthy.

• Corn snakes need a warm environment; the warm side should be around 84 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cool side should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Use a substrate that is easy to clean and does not get moisture trapped, like reptile towels or paper towels.
• Provide an entire water dish large enough for the snake to soak. Keep changing the water daily.
• You should feed them depending on their size. Also, younger corn snakes require frequent feeding.
• Handling your corn snake might be tricky as they do not need cuddles or hugs from their owners. Still, if you are willing to cuddle them, make sure you support their entire body. Do not pick them up right after you feed them.
• Make sure you make a hiding space for your corn snake, as they need at least one hiding space, making them feel secure and less stressed. 
• Keep an eye on your corn snake’s behavior. If you notice any changes in its appetite, behavior, or appearance, or you see signs of illness, contact a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.

Reasons Why You Should Not Keep Corn Snakes Together

Corn snakes are popular pets due to their attractive appearance and because they are easy to care for. But when it comes to keeping multiple corn snakes together, it is not advisable. Here are some reasons why:

Reason #1 – Corn Snakes are Solitary Creatures

Corn snakes are solitary creatures that only come together in the mating season. Corn snakes are known to be aggressive toward each other if you keep them close together. They don’t work well together unless they are both females; even then, you need to take their size and behavior into account.

Reason #2 – Corn Snakes are Cannibals

Corn snakes are not cannibals by nature, but there are chances that corn snakes might turn into cannibals when they are housed together as they feel competitive, and they get stressed and become aggressive, and then the stronger one tries to eat the weaker/smaller corn snake. 

Reason #3 – Being With Another Corn Snake Can Cause Stress

Being housed together may lead them to experience stress. They may feel threatened by the presence of other corn snakes in their area. Being stressed may lead them to have multiple health issues and a weaker immune system.

Reason #4 – Falling Sick/Health Issues

As I said earlier, corn snakes compete for basic things like shelter, food, and water, which can lead the weaker corn snake to become dehydrated and sick. As corn snakes eat little animals in their appetite, they can get injected with bacterial injection and mouth rot, and sometimes it might get serious. Wherever you find something suspicious or there’s a change in your corn snake behavior, consult with a vet as soon as possible. 

Reason #5 – The Legality Aspect

Keeping multiple corn snakes together in some cities or countries is illegal; keeping animals in conditions that can cause stress is not considered safe or legal. Before deciding to keep multiple corn snakes together, always check the rules and regulations for this in your cities.

Reason #6 – Injuries and Wounds

When you house corn snakes together, they become aggressive towards each other, leading to injuries like bite marks and open wounds. These injuries can become infected and lead to serious health issues.

Reason #7 – Extra Care and Monitoring Efforts

If you keep multiple corn snakes together, it is challenging to monitor their health and their behavior. Tracking each corn snake’s eating habits, movement, and overall health becomes difficult. 

This means you will have to dedicate more time and be more vigilant. Delays in detecting health issues may lead to serious health problems. 

Reason #8 – Boredom Leading to Deteriorating Mental Health

Corn snakes have the natural tendency to hunt and explore all alone, which can be compromised if you keep multiple corn snakes housed in a limited area. This can lead to boredom which will affect their mental and physical health.

How to Keep Two Female Corn Snakes Together

While it is not recommended to keep multiple corn snakes together, keeping two female ones together is possible. Here are some tips on how to keep two female corn snakes together:

1. Not every female corn snake gets along with the other, so while selecting two female corn snakes to keep together, it is important to select both female corn snakes that are the same size. Observe both female corn snakes’ behavior before introducing them to each other.
   
2. The area where you will keep both corn snakes should be large enough to allow both snakes to move around comfortably without feeling crowded. 
   
3. Both female corn snakes should have access to a hiding spot to retreat and feel secure. This can help reduce stress and prevent aggression. The hiding spot should have plants and some toys so they can feel joy.
   
4. If your female corn snakes are not getting along, you may need to create a separate area and hiding spot so they can have their personal space to reduce stress.
   
5. Keeping two female corn snakes together can create a more naturalistic environment in their enclosure, as most female corn snakes like company.
   
6. Keeping two female corn snakes together will also help them to create a bond and also they can cuddle and groom each other. 
   
7. Keeping two female corn snakes together will lead to more interesting breeding behavior if you plan to breed. 

Do Corn Snakes Get Lonely?

The simple answer to this question is No. While corn snakes are solitary reptiles in the wild, they get attached to their human caretaker and enjoy their love and affection. Corn snakes are not social reptiles; they do not experience loneliness.

They like to stay alone, hunt, and sleep alone. Corn snakes are solitary reptiles; they only come together while they mate similar to ribbon snakes. As pets, they don’t need to be kept together due to their instincts. 

In short, corn snakes do not get lonely like other animals or humans, but they still require proper care and attention for their mental and physical stability. Observing their behavior change lets you check whether your corn snake is happy.

They might refuse to eat, keep hiding, or become increasingly aggressive while you handle or pick them. This is an indication that something is wrong.

FAQ

Conclusion

The above article taught us that we could not house two corn snakes together as long as both are male. We can house two female corn snakes together, but just more sure both the female corn snakes are of the same size and behavior. 

If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to comment below.